/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66230069/1132062618.jpg.0.jpg)
The Beanpot tournament is a local college quad-duel that takes place on the first two Mondays of February each year in Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1952 and has evolved into must-see hockey battles for local full-of-beans shinny supporters.
For most Vancouver Canucks’ fans, the annual struggle between Northeastern University, Harvard University, Boston College and Boston University first became of interest in 2018 when their prized late round prospect Adam Gaudette came to prominence.
Gaudette went on to lead Northeastern to the Beanpot championship ending a 30-year drought for his school. He has since established himself in the NHL as the Canucks’ promising third line center.
Adam Gaudette hoists the Beanpot trophy. The nation’s top scorer finished with a hat trick. #GoNU pic.twitter.com/kaCBrIpz4U
— Rachel Holt (@ItsRachelHolt) February 13, 2018
With Hobey Baker Award winner Gaudette moving on to start his professional career, it seemed that British Columbia’s one year love affair with the tournament was over. But then new suitor Tyler Madden assumed the mantel of heroism at Northeastern University. The Canucks’ third round 2018 NHL Entry Draft pick (a first round pick in many re-drafts of that year) sought to repeat Gaudette’s success and succeed he did.
Who can forget his unique snow-angel celebration after scoring in overtime to send his team to the championship game.
Here's another (awesome) view of #Canucks prospect Tyler Madden scoring the OT winner to send his team to the Beanpot Final pic.twitter.com/UWJI6siym2 (Via: @JayTKenney)
— Adam Forsythe (@adamforsythe) February 5, 2019
Madden then went on to lead them to a repeat of Gaudette’s 2018 tournament victory.
Crown ➡️ defended.#Beanpot | #HowlinHuskies pic.twitter.com/TCw2uoRQxe
— Northeastern Men’s Hockey (@GoNUmhockey) February 12, 2019
This year Madden looks to repeat his success and three-peat Northeastern’s Beanpot run, while he also tries to duplicate Gaudette’s Hobey Baker accomplishment. He is one of the NCAA’s top candidates for the honour.
Prepare for the #HobeyMaddness.
— Northeastern Men’s Hockey (@GoNUmhockey) January 16, 2020
VOTE NOW: https://t.co/YQTVkiwPW5#HowlinHuskies // #HobeyBaker pic.twitter.com/m5yf8FjdE8
At this year’s Boston saw-off, Madden will be joined by fellow Canucks’ draft choice Aidan McDonough. The 20-year old freshman is blossoming in his first season netting 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 19 games. The 6’3” power forward and Madden have formed some clear chemistry on the ice. They have become a lethal powerplay duo for the Huskies.
Another decent day for Vancouver prospects. Northeastern's Aidan McDonough tallies his 1st NCAA goal.
— Stars n’ Stripes Hockey (@StarsStripesHKY) November 3, 2019
Give the primary to another Canuck prospect Tyler Madden, who sets up McDonough with the cross-crease pass. #HowlinHuskies #Canucks pic.twitter.com/9lhhBsBHIj
MONEY MCDONOUGH STRIKES AGAIN
— Northeastern Men’s Hockey (@GoNUmhockey) December 14, 2019
With his 7️⃣th power-play goal of the season and 2️⃣nd goal of the night, McDonough steals the lead back for the #HowlinHuskies!
It's now Northeastern 4, Dartmouth 3! pic.twitter.com/o0iJvhqewx
Tyler Madden ▶️ Aidan McDonough
— Spencer (@spencerloane) January 7, 2020
The #Canucks duo does it again for Northeastern. McDonough’s eighth PPG ties him for the most in the entire nation. #NCAA pic.twitter.com/4nWJ5SU4tc
Meanwhile, Harvard’s rearguard Jack Rathbone will be playing in his second consecutive Beanpot challenge. Last year in his freshman college season his Crimson club was relegated to play in the consolation game. In 2018, Gaudette and company unseated the 2017 Beanpot victors Harvard. The Vancouver Canucks’ 20-year old, fourth round 2017 pick will be looking to return the men-of-deep-red to Beanpot glory.
Rathbone is a point-per-game defender in his second NCAA season putting up 16 points in 16 games so far. He will be looking to snatch franchise bragging rights from his potential future Canucks’ teammates. He has been out of the line-up recently due to an injury but may be able to return to play in the tournament.
Vancouver really may have something in Harvard's Jack Rathbone. Coming off a freshman season where he recorded 7 's and 15 's in 33 games, Rathbone potted two in the Crimson's season opener.
— Stars n’ Stripes Hockey (@StarsStripesHKY) November 4, 2019
Here is his 2nd, a move that screams NHL prospect. #GoCrimson #Canucks. pic.twitter.com/zAazJqkrch
#Canucks prospect Jack Rathbone (#3) had 3 assists last night for Harvard.
— Brett (@MirokiOnDefence) November 9, 2019
Here are 2 of the assists - great stretch passes to spring his teammates for breakaways and a hit that sends an opponent over the boards.
The defenceman has 2G 3A in 2GP. pic.twitter.com/QASst8T1lt
The 2020 Beanpot tournament will be televised across the continent this year. It will be a great opportunity for Canucks’ fan to check out three NCAA prospects all of whom could decide to turn pro with Vancouver as early as March 2020.
This year's Beanpot will be televised across North America.
— Brian Kelley (@BKelleyBU) January 28, 2020
- New England: @NESN
- Outside of New England: @NHLNetwork
: TSN2
Fantastic news for @collegehockey and the teams' alumni and fans. Maximizing the number of eyes on this great tournament.
The first game will pit Madden and McDonough against Rathbone. The winner of that game will play in the Championship game. The loser will compete in the Consolation game.
Catch all four games locally on TSN2:
Monday, Feb. 3rd Northeastern vs. Harvard 2:00 p.m. PST
Monday, Feb. 3rd Boston College vs. Boston University 5:00 p.m. PST
Monday, Feb. 10th Consolation Game 1:30 p.m. PST
Monday, Feb. 10th Championship Game 4:30 p.m. PST
The #Beanpot is back and up for grabs! Join us next Monday for the semifinals at TD Garden: https://t.co/toKy2dQoN6
— TD Garden (@tdgarden) January 28, 2020
5pm: @GoNUmhockey vs. @HarvardMHockey
8pm: @TerrierHockey vs. @BCHockey pic.twitter.com/DwceFOhM3y